Africa: Zambia Boosts Tourism by Introducing Visa Waiver for 5 African Countries, 48 others

In a landmark move to enhance its tourism sector, Zambia has introduced a visa waiver for citizens of 53 countries.

According to Travel News Africa, this significant decision elevates the total number of countries eligible for visa-free access to Zambia to an impressive 167. The new visa policy is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for international travel to Zambia.

With this policy change, Zambia anticipates a notable increase in international tourist arrivals, with a target of reaching three million visitors annually by the year 2026. In comparison, the country welcomed over 1.5 million tourists in 2023, highlighting the potential for substantial growth in the tourism sector. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, emphasized the government’s commitment to facilitating international travel while also prioritizing national security. He stated, “While the government is dedicated to opening doors to international travellers, we are also mindful of the need to maintain national security. This is why the department of immigration is focusing on implementing a mix of pre-entry and post-entry migration management measures.”

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The 53 countries whose nationals will benefit from this new visa waiver include a diverse range of nations, such as:

Albania
American Samoa
Andorra
Argentina
Aruba
Bhutan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bouvet Island
Brunei Darussalam
Cape Verde
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Comoros
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
Faroe Islands
French Polynesia
French Southern Territories
Greenland
Guam
Guatemala
Guyana
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Laos
Liberia
Liechtenstein
Macedonia
Madagascar
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Morocco
Netherlands Antilles
New Caledonia
Northern Mariana Islands
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
San Marino
Sandwich Islands
São Tomé and Príncipe
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Suriname
Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
Vatican City State
Virgin Islands
Wallis and Futuna Islands

This proactive measure not only enhances Zambia’s appeal as a travel destination but also supports the government’s broader vision of promoting tourism while ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and visitors. The upcoming changes are expected to significantly enrich Zambia’s cultural exchange and economic opportunities through increased tourism.